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The Optimal inter-implant interval in pediatric sequential bilateral implantation.
Angelika Illg1, Carolin Sandner1, Andreas Büchner2
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
Hearing Research
|November 15, 2017
Summary
The optimal interval for sequential bilateral cochlear implants (CIs) in children varies by age. Shorter intervals are better for older children, while younger children benefit from up to a four-year gap.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Auditory Neuroscience
- Speech-Language Pathology
Background:
- Sequential bilateral cochlear implantation (CI) is increasingly common in children.
- Outcomes after bilateral CI show significant variability.
- The optimal timing for the second CI is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the optimal inter-implant interval for sequential bilateral cochlear implantation in children.
- To analyze the relationship between speech comprehension outcomes and the interval between implantations.
- To evaluate the influence of age at first implantation on outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of speech comprehension results from 250 children with sequential bilateral CIs.
- Evaluation of periodic speech perception testing in quiet and noise.
- Statistical analysis of unilateral speech test outcomes in relation to age at first implantation and inter-implant interval.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant difference in speech test performance was observed between the first and second implanted ears.
- Speech test outcomes were significantly dependent on the inter-implant interval (r = -0.497; p = 0.000).
- A subgroup of 27 children achieved equal or better results with the second CI.
Conclusions:
- A preferred inter-implant interval of up to four years exists for children under four years old at first implantation.
- Older children at first implantation require shorter inter-implant intervals for optimal outcomes.
- The inter-implant interval is a critical factor influencing speech test performance in pediatric bilateral CI users.
